Russia step into second spot

Russia took another confident win over Ukraine in Minsk on Thursday, moving up to second spot on the group table with six points following their 28:30 (14:16) win.

After a decisive 27:22 win in the first-leg match on Wednesday, Russia were strong favourites heading into Thursday’s game.

But Ukraine came out of the blocks stronger while Russia suffered a shaky start with poor attacking and shooting efficiency through the first ten minutes.

Two consecutive goals from line player Valentin Buzmakov at this point gave Russia the crucial lead (4:6) they would retain through the rest of the half, and that would ultimately seal the victory.

A flurry of penalties for both teams in the last ten minutes of the period showed that tension was running high, as Russia’s lead fluctuated to end the first half with a two-goal advantage (14:16).

Ukraine were not going to say goodbye to their EHF EURO 2016 hopes without a fight however, and managed to temporarily bring the difference back to one goal as the second half got underway.

But the reprieve was short-lived; led by top scorers Timur Dibirov and Alexander Dereven (six goals each), Russia maintained control as the clock ticked into the last quarter of the match.

With 15 minutes remaining Russia were still two ahead (22:24) and, though Ukraine were a threat through to the final whistle, never really looked in danger of surrendering the two points.

Ukraine’s top scorer was Roman Chychykalo with seven goals. Andrii Akimenko (six goals) and Dibirov both finished the match on 100% shooting efficiency.

Russia, who only need to gain one more point, face Portugal on Sunday for what will be the deciding match in which team takes the second Group 5 ticket to Poland. If Portugal want to advance, they need to beat Russia by at least six goals.